akoma mental health services

  • At Akoma Mental Health Services, our mission is to end the stigma of mental health within the our community by providing compassionate, accessible education and support to individuals, families, churches, and newly diagnosed individuals. We bridge the gap between the community and the health system, fostering understanding, empowerment, and wellness for all.

  • Our vision is a world where mental health is universally accepted and embraced, and every member of our community has access to the knowledge and resources they need to thrive. We aspire to be the trusted, go-to source for community mental health, advocating for a future where stigma is erased and support is accessible to all.

    • Empowerment
      We help clients embrace their authentic selves by guiding them to release roles and habits that no longer serve their purpose. At Akoma, we believe true empowerment comes from living fully in your pre-destined truth.

    • Honesty
      We create a compassionate space where clients are heard and understood, but we also address the tough conversations that lead to growth. By gently confronting avoided topics, we help clients face challenges head-on and move toward their goals.

    • Community
      Inspired by the Sankofa principle, we work to break mental health stigmas in the community, with an added focused on the Black and other marginalized communities. Akoma fosters healing, growth, and empowerment, encouraging clients to reach back and help others as they grow.

Hi, I’m Shevonne Matthews, LCSW-C

I have served in the field of social work for the past 18 years as a case worker and Licensed Clinical Worker in Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina and Florida with over a decade of experience in Child Welfare and treating individuals with acute and chronic mental health diagnoses. I began my career in the foster care system in 2007. It was in this role where my passion for helping others was cultivated. It was my desire to make sure every vulnerable child I encountered was able to reside in a safe and nurturing environment. In 2018, after 11 years working with children, I decided to embark upon a new adventure, I wanted to switch my focus and accepted a position as a forensic social worker at the state’s only maximum-security psychiatric hospital for violent offenders. This new journey was not void of challenges, but I met them head on. I discovered that mental health is my niche, and this is where I thrive.

In 2022, I created Akoma Mental Health Services. This business was birthed out of a need to help educate the families and loved ones caring for people that are living with persistent and severe mental illness. I also dedicate myself to providing clinical supervision to Licensed Master Social Workers in Maryland and Virginia. It is my desire to provide support and assist newer social workers realize their clinical niche and to develop their therapeutic footprint.

My Approach

As a licensed clinical social worker, I have extensive experience in treating various mental health diagnoses and concerns. I use a client-focused strength-based approach to therapy to empower the client on their healing journey. I provide services to adults, children and families and specializes in mood dysregulation, psychosis, anxiety and recently began providing bariatric consulting and therapy consultations. I realize that there is a close correlation between emotional regulation and food consumption. This is why I am dedicated to breaking barriers and helping those that need help over this hurdle to live a goal driven life and to develop a healthier relationship with food.

My Goal

I aim to ensure that mental health services are no longer taboo. I am ready to walk alongside you as YOU make the decision to live a healthy and whole life.

Say yes to yourself

How many times will you postpone your healing? How long will you ignore the desire to live free? I am here to help you live your most authentic life on your terms. Are you ready?